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Township okays patio dining

Patio dining comes to Langley Township in time for summer.

Diners who enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a view with their meals will have more opportunities to eat alfresco in the Township of Langley.

A new policy allowing sidewalk patios was adopted by Township council on May 11, giving food and beverage establishments the chance to enhance their outdoor seating areas. The Private Use of Public Sidewalks Policy will allow restaurants to apply for a permit to extend their establishments out onto public right-of-ways, providing they meet certain requirements.

“Some local businesses have expressed a desire to use a portion of the Township’s right-of-ways for the purpose of sidewalk patios,” said Paul Cordeiro, the Township’s Manager of Transportation Engineering. Township staff looked at the implications of allowing the extensions and reviewed policies in other municipalities, and found the practice to be a good fit.

“As long as the outdoor seating areas are set up appropriately and pedestrians can still get by, they can really enhance the vibrancy and economic health of our community,” said Cordeiro.

Establishments wanting to set up a sidewalk patio need to apply for a permit from the Township’s Engineering Division. Staff will review the applications to ensure the proposed seating will not create an obstruction or pose safety concerns, and will issue permits where appropriate.

Alcohol cannot be served on sidewalk patios in the Township and establishments in heritage and development permit areas must adhere to heritage revitalization and development design guidelines.

For more information, call the Township of Langley Engineering Division at 604-533-6006. The new policy can be viewed at tol.ca/sidewalks.